Archive · 26 Jul 2026
Similipal Tiger Reserve Revives Grasslands for Ecosystem Health
Deep in the forests of Odisha's Similipal Tiger Reserve, conservationists are working hard to bring back the grasslands that are so important for the forest's health.
These grasslands are like the dining halls of the forest, providing food for animals like deer and gaur, which in turn support the tigers.
Over the years, many of these grasslands have become damaged due to too much grazing and invasive weeds.
To fix this, the reserve is using a special method called complete seeding, where they plant native grasses collected from nearby areas.
This helps to bring back the natural balance of the forest.
The goal is to restore over 500 hectares of grasslands, making the forest healthier and more resilient for all the animals that call it home.
Similipal Tiger Reserve is restoring 500 hectares of degraded grasslands to support wildlife.
Initial restoration includes 70 hectares using native grass seeds collected from nearby areas.
Healthy grasslands are crucial for herbivores like deer and gaur, which support the tiger population.
Invasive species and grazing pressure have deteriorated 40% of the grasslands.
The reserve is developing permanent grass seed nurseries for future restoration efforts.
- Who
- Conservationists and forest officials at Similipal Tiger Reserve
- What
- A grassland revival programme to restore degraded meadows
- When
- Ongoing, with initial restoration of 70 hectares
- Where
- Similipal Tiger Reserve, Odisha, India
- Why
- To rebuild critical wildlife habitats and strengthen the prey base for tigers
Conservationists
Invasive Species
Restoration Efforts
Conservationists
Conservationists are actively working to restore degraded grasslands using native seeds to support herbivores and predators.
Invasive Species
Invasive species are spreading, reducing the availability of nutritious native grasses and threatening the ecosystem.
- Location
- Similipal Tiger Reserve, Odisha, India
- Area of Restoration
- 500 hectares
- Initial Restoration
- 70 hectares
- Restoration Method
- Complete seeding with native grasses
- Key Species
- Royal Bengal Tiger, deer, gaur
- Ecological Challenge
- 40% of grasslands deteriorated due to grazing pressure and invasive weeds
- Future Plans
- Development of permanent grass seed nurseries